Flood watch in effect for Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland

Monique Calello, Staunton News Leader

The U.S. National Weather Service has issued an "areal" flood watch starting at noon today until 11 p.m. this evening.

Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible, reports the NWS.

Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia flood watch include the following areas:

  • In Maryland: Central and Eastern Allegany, Extreme Western Allegany, Garrett and Washington.

  • In Virginia: Augusta, Central Virginia Blue Ridge, Clarke, Eastern Highland, Frederick VA, Northern Virginia Blue Ridge, Page, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Warren and Western Highland.

  • In West Virginia: Berkeley, Eastern Grant, Eastern Mineral, Eastern Pendleton, Hampshire, Hardy, Jefferson, Morgan, Western Grant, Western Mineral and Western Pendleton.

Impact from areal flooding

Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, reports the NWS.

Showers and thunderstorms will develop this afternoon and may last into the evening. Any thunderstorms will be capable of producing very heavy rainfall, with localized totals of two to four inches possible.

Much of the rain may fall within a one to three hour period, making rapid rises in creeks and streams possible, as well as flash flooding in urban areas.

Precautionary actions

You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action should flash flood warnings be issued.

What is 'areal' flooding?

According to the National Weather Service, areal flooding develops more gradually than flash flooding, usually more than six hours after rain begins. It typically occurs following prolonged moderate to heavy rainfall. Low-lying areas prone to flooding and smaller creeks or streams will see gradual ponding and buildup of water.

More: One dead after vehicle hits tree in Mount Sidney

More: Think twice before swimming in Shenandoah waterways — they're full of fecal bacteria

Your support is vital to local journalism. Please subscribe so we can keep writing the stories you care the most.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Areal flood watch Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia

Advertisement